The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) crackdown against firms making bogus weight loss claims about açai supplements has stepped up a gear.

The watchdog, which recently filed 10 lawsuits against firms allegedly hiring third parties to create ‘fake’ news sites promoting their acai diet pills, has just secured a court order freezing the assets of a Connecticut-based operation allegedly engaged in a similar enterprise.

The move follows a complaint – filed jointly with the State of Connecticut in early November – against Boris Mizhen and three companies he controls: Leanspa, LLC, Nutraslim, LLC and Nutraslim UK Ltd – alleging they had misled consumers by hiring affiliate marketers to create fake news websites to promote their products.

Acai: Antioxidant powerhouse? Yes. Miracle weight loss pill? No…

While a growing body of clinical evidence suggests free-radical-scavenging acai berries can deliver exciting cardiovascular and other benefits, they do not help you to lose weight, claim experts.

However, millions of consumers have been lured onto websites selling acai diet pills via ‘fake news websites’ purporting to be from reputable news organizations from CNN to ABC, claims the FTC.

Lose 25lbs without changing your diet and lifestyle…???

The ‘news’ sites typically feature skeptical reporters that are subsequently wowed by the miracle weight loss effects of acai, with many claiming to have lost 25lbs in a month without otherwise altering their diet or lifestyle, a claim that is utterly preposterous, according to the FTC.

“Fake reporters claimed to have tried the defendants' weight-loss products, such as LeanSpa, NutraSlim, and SlimFuel, and to have lost a substantial amount of weight quickly… without any special diet or vigorous exercise regime.”

The defendants told consumers they could receive free trials of acai berry and colon cleanse products, and would only be charged for shipping and handling, claimed the FTC.

However, many shoppers ended up paying $79.99 for the ‘free’ trial, and for recurring monthly shipments of products that they couldn’t easily cancel, the FTC alleges.

The parties in the Connecticut case have agreed to a court order temporarily halting the illegal conduct of Boris Mizhen and above companies; continuing an asset freeze; appointing a temporary receiver; and giving the receiver, the FTC, and the State of Connecticut immediate access to the business premises.

Speaking to NutraIngredients-USA earlier this year, AIBMR Life Sciences chief executive Dr Alex Schauss - an expert on the science behind acai – said it was “about time” the FTC cracked down on firms making claims about acai and weight loss.

He added: “It’s incredibly frustrating and really quite intolerable that they are making these fraudulent claims about losing weight when there is such strong science behind acai’s genuine benefits. It’s distracting attention from the really exciting research on this extraordinary antioxidant.”

Recent research suggested a wide range of benefits, from an ability to reduce atherosclerotic lesions in arteries and increase dexterity and reduce pain amongst older people to effects on the expression of genes that protect against oxidative stress, he said.

Related products

Live Supplier Webinar

16-Feb-2015 - What’s hot in snacks? Insects? Posh jerky? Chickpeas? And what’s the difference between a meal and a snack, or are the lines becoming increasingly blurred? What’s a suitable portion-size? And will healthy vending become the norm? To find out, FoodNavigator-USA...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - Flavourtech is helping its customers differentiate their products and increase market share. The Spinning Cone Column is well considered the "Gold Standard" in the tea, coffee and flavour industries for the production of high quality Natural aroma. Flavourtech expertise also...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

29-Oct-2014 - Consumers are snacking more frequently, and the bar category in particular has been consistently growing in terms of dollar and volume sales, making bars an area of great opportunity for manufacturers. For insights and implications on how manufacturers can increase...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

06-Feb-2015 - The Coca-Cola Company invested in Chicago-based co-operative Fairlife LLC in December 2012, and since then the company’s star has only risen further. Here, CEO Steve Jones introduces the company and its mission, looking at trends in dairy and the ‘protein...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

06-Feb-2015 - Stand out in the competitive beverage marketplace and satisfy consumers’ thirst for fun by adding the creamy, smooth mouthfeel and visual appeal of foam and froth. Using naturally sourced foaming agents, you can add superior, long-lasting foams to a variety...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

06-Feb-2015 - Ingredients such as chia, ancient grains and flaxseed have captured the interest of health-conscious consumers, and more and more beverage companies are taking notice. But where to begin? Long-time beverage ingredient innovator and turnkey formulator Glanbia Nutritionals will offer insights...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

06-Feb-2015 - We interrupt this webinar to bring you breaking news in functional beverages. Only on AIDP News Channel will you hear from experts in the field of functional beverages. AIDP is known as being an innovator in function and our top...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - What are the fastest-growing beverage categories and which consumer trends are successful firms tapping into? ‘Real’ sugar? Fermented beverages? Plant waters? And how are companies such as Keurig changing the beverage landscape? Hear from a beverage entrepreneur, a retailer, a...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - Just as with the search for the Fountain of Youth, The Lost Arc or the Meaning of Life; the Holy Grail of functional beverages seems to be an ongoing quest that few of us have been able to conquer, until...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - Social media has forever changed the way consumers talk to one another (and the way companies and consumers talk to each other, too). Find out how you can use social media to take your beverage business to the next level.

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - With annual sales approaching $9B, the US protein beverage market is thriving. The category has quickly become a destination for busy, health conscious, active consumers of all ages. Capturing mainstream consumers can be lucrative for marketers, but one that...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

08-Jan-2015 - FoodNavigator-USA & BeverageDaily have gathered together CEOs from some of the most innovative beverage companies in the US from Mamma Chia and KeVita to Vertical Water and KonaRed to discuss growth opportunities in the beverage aisle; how difficult it is...

On-Demand Supplier Webinar

05-Dec-2014 - Learn about the health advantages of barley. A flavourful whole grain, barley is an excellent source of β-glucan soluble fibre, which can lower cholesterol and reduce blood glucose levels key to the prevention and management of diabetes. Both the U.S....

Case study

16-Feb-2015 - Introducing a new, state-of-the-art line of ingredients that can help you astound the senses of your customers while delivering the wholesome, clean label eating they increasingly expect. New Vibrant Harvest™ Whole Food Powders are based on a patented technology that...

Event programme

08-Dec-2014 - Leaders in R&D, marketing and business strategy who are passionate about innovation and growth come together at Food Vision in Cannes to debate the sources of sustainable growth and profitability in today's global nutrition, food & drink markets. Food Vision...

Technical / white paper

01-Mar-2015 -
Chia is an oleaginous seed that differs from similar family plants in its fat content: 63 % of total fatty acids in chia seed are Omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid, (ALA), which makes it the...

Technical / white paper

01-Mar-2015 - Half of US consumers surveyed say the fiber level of a food product influences their purchase decision. This is especially true for younger people. The majority of consumers surveyed were interested in healthy, sugar-reduced food applications.

Clinical study

16-Feb-2015 - Looking for an ingredient that can deliver serious hydration, endurance and recovery benefits for your next sports bar, beverage or supplement? Sustamine® is a science-supported ingredient that can: enhance electrolyte and water absorption in the intestines; stimulate glycogen synthesis; inhibit muscle...

Technical / white paper

16-Feb-2015 - 71% of U.S. moms believe the foods they eat affect their quality of life! In an effort to buy foods they perceive to be healthier, moms have developed their own methods of judging healthful claims, and are adjusting their purchases...

Clinical study

20-Jan-2015 - Cognizin® is a proprietary form of citicoline, a potent brain-health nutrient, backed by numerous clinical trials that support claims for improved focus, attention and recall. Developed using a patented fermentation process, Cognizin is an ultra-pure, vegetarian, allergen-free, non-stimulant GRAS ingredient...